Modern-day slavery and human trafficking to be targeted in huge crackdown on foreign criminals

Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland police join forces with Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and the North East Regional Special Operations Unit taking part in dawn raids in Newcastle as part of operation Kestrel targeting foreign national offenders

Foreign criminals involved in modern day slavery, human trafficking and other crimes are being targeted in raids across the North-east .

Cleveland Police will join with forces in Northumbria and Durham as part of Operation Kestrel - the biggest ever of its kind in the region - and raids started today.

Activity will target those involved in minor offences right through to serious and organised crime , to send a clear message that the region will not tolerate crime.

Northumbria Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Helen McMillan is leading the activity, and said: “The majority of people who come from abroad to live in the UK are honest, law abiding citizens and we welcome the diversity and value that brings to our communities.

“Unfortunately there will always be a minority who choose to be unlawful whether that be for financial gain or simple disregard for the law.”

She said Operation Kestrel will “target the minority who purposefully come to the UK to flout the law or commit crime”.

Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland police join forces with Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and the North East Regional Special Operations Unit taking part in dawn raids in Newcastle as part of operation Kestrel targeting foreign national offenders

Raids started this morning in Newcastle and Consett, County Durham, and a dozen people were reportedly arrested for modern day slavery offences.

They will also take place at locations across Teesside over the next two weeks, Cleveland Police confirmed.

“During this activity we will also be focussing on any UK citizens and foreign nationals who may be a vulnerable victim of these criminals with our priority to safeguard and protect those who may be a victim of modern day slavery and human trafficking,” continued Asst Chief Con McMillan.

The police forces will work alongside Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and the North East Regional Serious and Organised Crime unit.

Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland police join forces with Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and the North East Regional Special Operations Unit taking part in dawn raids in Newcastle as part of operation Kestrel targeting foreign national offenders (Image: Daily Mirror)

Eddy Montgomery, Immigration Enforcement Director, said: “Immigration Enforcement has a diverse role, ranging from arresting and detaining those with no right to be in the UK to rooting out employers who flout right to work rules and tackling rogue landlords who let to those with no right to rent.

“My officers are also trained to identify any potential trafficking victims they may encounter in their front line role and ensure they get the support that they need.”

British Red Cross will provide “practical and emotional support” to anyone evacuated as a result of the operation, at a place of safety.

“Our trained staff and volunteers have been on hand to provide emotional support, as well as practical necessities such as clothing, refreshments and first aid,” said John Morris, British Red Cross director of independent living and crisis response in the North of England.